A Dedicated Man: An Inspector Banks Novel

New York Times bestselling and Edgar Award-winning author Peter Robinson delivers a compelling and chilling story of evil in the most unexpected places—perfect for fans of Jo Nesbo and Ian Rankin.

A dedicated man is dead in the wild outdoors—a former university professor, wealthy historian and archaeologist who loved his adopted village. It is a particularly heinous slaying, considering the esteem in which the victim, Harry Steadman, was held by his neighbors and colleagues—by everyone, it seems, except the one person who bludgeoned the life out of the respected scholar and left him half-buried in a farmer's field.

Detective Chief Inspector Alan Banks left the violence of London behind for what he hoped would be the peaceful life of a country policeman. But the brutality of Steadman's murder only reinforces one ugly, indisputable truth: Evil can flourish in even the most beautiful of settings. There are dangerous secrets hidden in the history of this remote community that have already led to one death. And Banks will have to plumb a dark and shocking local past to find his way to a killer before yesterday's sins cause more blood to be shed.

A Dedicated Man is a riveting, fascinating, and thoroughly thrilling novel of suspense.

A dedicated man—a former university professor, wealthy historian, and archaeologist who loved his adopted village—is dead in the wild outdoors.It is a particularly heinous slaying, considering the esteem in which the victim, Harry Steadman, was held by his neighbors and colleagues—by everyone, it seems, except the one person who bludgeoned the life out of the respected scholar and left him half-buried in a farmer's field.

Detective Chief Inspector Alan Banks left the violence of London behind for what he hoped would be the peaceful life of a country policeman. But the brutality of Steadman's murder only reinforces one ugly, indisputable truth: Evil can flourish in even the most beautiful of settings. There are dangerous secrets hidden in the history of this remote community that have already led to one death. And Banks will have to plumb a dark and shocking local past to find his way to a killer before yesterday's sins cause more blood to be shed.

“The equal of P.D. James.” - St. Louis Post-Dispatch

“Watch out for those twists—they’ll get you every time.” - Ian Rankin

“Stunningly complex and intricately plotted....Peter Robinson fools and entertains me with every twist.” - Nevada Barr

Praise for Peter Robinson and the Detective Banks series: “Thrilling—brilliantly plotted, beautifully paced.” - Louise Penny

“Inspector Banks is a man for all seasons.” - Michael Connelly

“The best series now on the market. Try one and tell me I’m wrong.” - Stephen King

“Exquisite.” - USA Today

Brilliant.” - Jeffery Deaver